SANDF troops in DRC given the training to enable all of them to come back

Defense Minister Thandi Modise spoke to the media on Wednesday following a ceremony where the remains of two soldiers who died in the DRC were handed over to their families.

People gather next to some vehicles from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission as they flee the Masisi territory following clashes between M23 rebels and government forces, at a road near Sake on 7 February 2024. Picture: AFP

JOHANNESBURG - The South African Defence ministry said it could not guarantee the safe return of SANDF members deployed on a peace mission to war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the deployment of 2,900 SANDF members to help the country fight rebel attacks which is driving one of Africa’s most serious humanitarian crises.

On Wednesday, Defense Minister Thandi Modise spoke to the media following a ceremony where the remains of two South African soldiers who died in the DRC were handed over to their families at the Waterkloof Airforce Base in Tshwane.

"I can say to the families and to South Africa that the training each and every one of those soldiers who has volunteered to go has been given the training that should enable all of them to come back. I can guarantee that we will make sure that whatever equipment that they need to do the business, on behalf of South Africa, is being made available."